Sustainability News Archives

Zumtobel Group responds to disaster in Philippines18.12.2013

In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, the situation for people in the Philippines remains catastrophic and help is still urgently needed one month after the event. The Zumtobel Group is supporting emergency aid in the disaster area by making a donation of EUR 14,500 to the international humanitarian organisation CARE.

The sum of EUR 10,000 donated by the Zumtobel Group’s management board has been boosted by two further campaigns. Colleagues from Zumtobel Italy dispensed with Christmas presents for customers and contributed EUR 2,500. At Tridonic in Innsbruck, employees decided to forgo possible bonuses and collected EUR 2,000 for the Philippines.

“CARE joins other organisations on the ground in helping to ensure there are no gaps in food supplies to the local population. Our donation is targeted specifically at assisting this effort,” explained Natalie Kreutzer, coordinator for the Zumtobel Group’s social responsibility activities, when handing over the donation to Eva Brunner from CARE Austria WEST.

A donation of 60 euros buys a food basket containing enough to feed a family for two weeks. This includes rice, sugar, salt, oil, dried fish, canned fish, canned meat and beans. A house repair kit costs roughly 120 euros and consists of things like sheet metal, nails, metal parts and tools.

As well as providing food packages and emergency shelters, CARE works with the local authorities in helping people to find work again as soon as possible. CARE attaches particular importance to ensuring that aid also reaches people in remote areas.